Brunswick Karma Pearl Bowling Ball Review

The Brunswick Karma Pearl uses the same core design as the Karma Solid, a modified version of the original Danger Zone core. The removal of the nugget in the center of the core lowered the differential. Changing the cover to a reactive pearl version of PowrKoil 18 increased the length and back end compared to the Karma Solid.

We had the best reaction with this ball on our medium test pattern. Each tester could use their normal delivery on this pattern. Stroker was playing the furthest outside with Tweener about five boards deeper. Cranker was just left of the fourth arrow, which is where he normally likes to play on a fresh medium condition.

The heavy oil pattern was simply too long for the Karma Pearl. Before we altered the surface, we tried it on a pair of lanes which were run with the same heavy oil pattern and had been bowled on quite a bit. Even with plenty of play on this pattern, our reaction was nowhere near what we had on the medium test pattern. When we did go back to the fresh lane with the heavy pattern, we needed to remove all the polish from the test balls. Cranker used a 2000 Siaair pad to get the Karma Pearl to read the lane on this longer pattern. Tweener and Stroker used a new 1500 Siaair pad to achieve the same reaction.

Even with our layouts on the stronger side, we were able to get to the pocket rather easily on the dry pattern. Those looking to use this as a dry lane ball will want to make sure to use drillings that place the pin around five inches from the axis.

The polished finish created some over/under on our sport pattern. We touched up the finish a bit with a 4000 grit Siaair pad which improved our look on the sport pattern by making our reaction more consistent. Even with the surface adjustment, this isn’t the best ball for these types of patterns. It’s not the worst choice a player could make either.

Strengths

The pearl PowrKoil 18 shell allows players of all styles to use the ball on medium-dry and drier lanes without sacrificing carry. The length of the Karma Pearl makes it a great choice for tournament bowlers to go to late in the blocks.

Weaknesses

Long oil patterns will force the Karma Pearl to slide past the desired breakpoint. Bowlers can see this same reaction on medium patterns as the oil starts to carry down the lane.

Overall Summary

The Karma Pearl features the same core/cover combination as its solid counterpart. This one, combined with the Karma Solid, makes for a suitable one-two combination for medium and dry patterns at an affordable price.